Newcastle United are still in talks with Burnley over a deal for goalkeeper James Trafford after their latest approaches were rejected.
Like many of the Magpies’ deals recently, the shot-stopper is a long-term target of Eddie Howe’s, but a deal now looks closer than ever, with bids already being placed.
James Trafford has been on Newcastle United’s radar since 2024. An agreement was reported during last summer’s transfer window, but the deal broke down due to the Magpies’ lingering PSR issues. However, with PSR less of a worry this summer, Newcastle are hoping to finally get the deal for Trafford over the line.
Geordie Boot Boys understands that Newcastle had a £26million bid for Trafford rejected in late June, with Burnley looking for more than £30million to let their record-breaking goalkeeper leave.
Trafford was pictured in training with Burnley as all the Premier League clubs returned for pre-season, but he could soon be pulled out of it if an agreement is reached.
With a deal still on, Trafford has fuelled those transfer links even more by commenting on an Instagram post of a Newcastle player.
James Trafford during a Premier League game between Aston Villa and Burnley.
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
James Trafford responds to Joe White amid Newcastle United links
There were some concerns amongst the fanbase after Newcastle’s talks for Trafford went quiet, but sometimes silence can mean that work is being done behind the scenes to push things forward.
Howe wanted new additions before pre-season, something he has not achieved. However, the signing of Anthony Elanga is undoubtedly a bonus, even if it was later than planned. The Newcastle boss will now be hoping that Trafford will be part of the squad ahead of the first pre-season game against Celtic on July 19.
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Fans are anticipating more signings, and Trafford has teased them by commenting on Newcastle academy player Joe White’s recent Instagram post.
The post itself was pictures of White in training with the team. In the comments section, Trafford said: “Chalky.”
Trafford is great friends with White, with the pair hailing from Cumbria.
James Trafford deal with Newcastle United edges closer after fresh talks
With multiple bids being rejected and talks appearing to go quiet, some may have thought the deal was on the verge of collapse. However, a breakdown appears far from the case, according to recent reports.
On Thursday, the Chronicle reported that a deal between Newcastle and Burnley for Trafford is getting ‘closer’. Talks were ramped up on Wednesday and it is now believed that a deal could be done very soon.
The deal has not been agreed yet, but there is a sense of hope within the Newcastle staff that Trafford will be the next signing after Elanga.
At just 22, the sky is the limit for Trafford, with Burnley seeing him as a future England No.1. There will be no doubt that Howe and his staff feel exactly the same about the goalkeeper, who kept 29 clean sheets in the Championship last season.
One has come in for Newcastle in Elanga, but it could be the case that another follows if positive talks continue.